Part2

After having examined several individuals under control and experimental conditions, we have come to the same conclusion as our colleagues; the potential of an individual's magical capabilities is positively correlated with the size of their horn. Naturally, we return to our initial question; how does the horn biologically function during magical processes?

Past theories have suggested these horns are composed of special organic materials which magnify the force of an individual's magical essence. Bunsen's "Principles of Magic" supports this statement:

" Inquiries into the nature of magic, however, have been largely met with natural restriction. Experiments conducted by the Institute of Equestrian Sciences have confirmed an individual's magical capabilities are directly correlated with the size of their horn. What perplexes most researchers is the biological makeup of these objects. Current research has shown these horns are composed of an indestructible material (which we refer to as 'unicornium'), making proper research difficult. At this time, we do not possess the proper equipment to experiment upon organic samples without risking an individual's health." (Gregg, Page 231).

While the organic properties of a unicorn horn cannot be accounted for, the function of a horn itself is seen as a focal point, in which magic is focused at its highest concentration; following much of the same principle as modern  physics-

"Princess?"

Luna glanced up from her studies. She could not make out the silhouette standing in her doorway; the room was lit inadequately by what little illumination her candles provided.  She did, however, recognize the voice as Roebuck's, Luna's personal assistant and advisor. She nodded slightly in his direction before speaking.

"I-" she could only sputter; her voice was gravelly and hoarse. In Luna's concentration, she had declined to take any meals in the day's entirety. Her teapot sat empty, drained long ago and forgotten. The dry, musty air had not helped, either.

Luna began to reconsider her appeal to not be disrupted that day, even for refreshments.

Roebuck strode towards her, setting on the table a fresh pot of tea and a small platter of delicacies. No longer the young colt he once was, Roebuck still  maintained a youthful gleam about his eyes, the result of an everlasting, childish wonder and thirst for knowledge.

"You would be wise to consider removing yourself from the library every once in a great while, Princess." He began to pour Luna a cup of tea; the aroma was sweet and soft, the taste smooth and light on her lips as she drank. Luna had not realized, until now, just how veracious her hunger and thirst had become. Still, Luna waited; pride would not yet allow her to indulge more than this. Clearing her throat, she spoke.

"Roebuck, I believe my statement for no interruptions was made quite clear." Luna looked sternly towards him; Roebuck simply smiled as he opened the shades and let in the warm, afternoon sunlight. Slowly, it crept across the shelves of books, reaching for the shadows.

"Is this how you address all of your guests? Or do I receive special treatment?" He replied in a playful tone. Luna did not share the same enthusiasm, still determined to make her point. This was not the first occasion upon which she had suffered from her own stubbornness.

"When I request to be left in solitude, I expect my orders to be followed in their entirety."

"A soldier must recognize when a captain's orders are too foolish to follow."

"It is not the soldier's place to question their captain's orders; 'it takes but a miniscule crack to ruin the sturdiest of vases.'"

"So you have studied FireHeart's Memoirs I see?" Roebuck smiled as he opened the window panes, letting in a fresh, warm breeze. Luna had, in fact, studied this piece many times over. It was a favorite document of hers, an intriguing bibliography of the life and philosophical studies of General FireHeart; arguably one of Equestria's greatest military tacticians.

In spite of Luna's determination to make her point, hunger and interest in philosophical discussion took over her demeanor. She began to indulge herself in the cakes, rolls, crackers, and delicacies which Roebuck had furnished, all while discussing the finer points of philosophy.

"A soldier... does not enlist in a military force to fight for himself. He, or she... relinquishes any individualism upon enlistment. The individual's life is not theirs to command... it belongs to the state. Without absolute compliance, an army... is highly impractical. Not to mention dishonorable."

"For a pony to sacrifice their freedom, their will, their ability to decide, is just as dishonorable as disobeying an order, is it not?"

"FireHeart suggests the ends may justify the means..." Luna trailed off.

It seemed Roebuck had bested her once again.

Quickly, finishing off the last bite of a cake, she added; "but... that, in itself, is another argument entirely."

"An argument for another day, I'm afraid. There is business that remains to be finished. If you will excuse me, Princess-"

"And if I order you to stay?" Luna chastised; she couldn't help but to wear  a playful smirk. It had been some time since she had found an excuse to smile. Roebuck returned the same warm expression. Before he left, Luna added one last comment;

"Roebuck, I'd like to speak to you concerning a different philosophical subject. You will be given a reprieve on Thursday from your normal duties; please join me in the gardens at dusk. I find them much more pleasant than a dark, musty library."

"Then I assume these orders are not negotiable?" He couldn't help but to chuckle.

"Under no circumstances." Luna smiled, looking back to her work. Finding her place, she again began to read:

"... following much of the same principle as modern  physics suggests. While this hypothesis has yet to be proven, it is generally accepted as a credible explanation.

But how can you explain heartache? You can't. No, not you. But me... oh yes, I can explain it! I can tell you exactly what it is; it's Luna! That's what! You monster! I hope you die the same grisly, slow death as me! I hope you die, Luna! Die! DIE! Die from your grief! Die from your shame! Don't cry Luna! DON'T CRY! Why are you crying? It's not like your heart was broken; not like mine! Oh yes, you know it was you who caused my pain, don't you? The pain you feel does not come close to the agony that tore me apart! Tear... tear apart... yes, I'm going to tear you apart! Inch by inch, limb by limb, snip by snip! Snip! Snip! Snip! And you're going to watch! And you'll shout, and you'll cry, and you'll want to die! But you won't! I won't allow it! I want you to feel my pain, Luna! You'll die! Oh yes! Oh yes, you will! The birds will peck at your flesh! The beast will ravage your carcass! And nopony will care about such a monster! I can feel my hooves! My hooves around your throat! Struggle, Luna! Struggle! Just as I struggled to love you! Just as I struggled to live another day! Don't give up, Luna! I never gave up on you! Don't close your eyes! Don't close them! DON'T GIVE UP ON ME, LUNA!

•••

Luna awoke, but did not scream. She could only lay; lay in her fear, her sweat, her agony. She could not cry tears, could not weep. Fear had paralyzed her mind and body; she could not comprehend what her eyes saw, or what her body felt. All Luna could do was lie in her bed, numb to the world around her.

Nearly three days had passed before Luna shown signs of conscience awareness; a week before any physical response. All the while, she had shown but one sign of life. Luna whispered the same words, over, and over, and over again;

"I'm so sorry, my love... I'm so sorry..."